Inhabited for over 3,000 years, Athens is a historically rich and culturally vibrant city. The undeniable focal point is the ancient Acropolis, topped with the remains of countless temples, foremost amongst them the Parthenon - that enduring symbol of Western civilisation.

What to do in Athens Greece

HISTORY

Inhabited for over 3,000 years, Athens is a historically rich and culturally vibrant city. The undeniable focal point is the ancient Acropolis, topped with the remains of countless temples, foremost amongst them the Parthenon - that enduring symbol of Western civilisation. Exploring the picturesque streets of Plaka and Thiseio, the city’s old historical neighbourhoods, visitors will stumble across a number of ancient monuments including the Temple of Hephaestus, the Roman Agora, the Odeon of Herodes Atticus and the Philopappos Monuments.

CULTURE

Athens is a global centre of archaeological research - a place to learn and understand.The city hosts many museums, galleries and cultural exhibits, from ancient cultures and archaeology to modern arts and design. The National Archaeological Museum, the New Acropolis Museum, the Cycladic Museum, the Byzantine & Christian Museum and the numerous smaller museums at each archaeological site offer a wealth of historical artefacts to study and explore - perfect to escape too when the midday sun gets too hot! Meanwhile, art lovers will enjoy the cutting edge exhibitions hosted by the Onassis Culture Centre, Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Centre and new National Museum of Contemporary Art, as well as the multitude of small, independent galleries dotted throughout the city. For music enthusiasts, the symphonies, concerts, operas, musicals, ballets and dance performances at the Megaron Concert Hall, Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Centre and Odeon of Herodes Atticus are sure to delight, whilst theatre buffs will be able to watch ancient Greek theatre with English subtitles at the summer shows of the Athens & Epidaurus Festival.

NIGHTLIFE

Greece is famous for its nightlife and Athens is the perfect place for partying the night away! From a luxurious evening spent sipping premium cocktails to a vibrant party in a local neighbourhood bar, there are over 6000 venues to choose from. Visit Exarchia, an anarchist neighbourhood full of buzzing student bars and cafes, or try the super-clubs of Gazi for an exhilarating night of international hits alongside Greek styles such as bouzouki and rebetiko. Meanwhile, Psirri and Koukaki host a range of drinking spots, from funky cocktail bars to low-key tsiporou hangouts, whilst upmarket Kolonaki is the place for premium drinking and fine dining.
In comparison Western European countries, the Greeks start their night late - 10pm for dinner, with low-key drinks following and people only heading out to the clubs long after midnight.